Three alternative strikers Liverpool could target in January

There has been plenty of speculation linking Liverpool with the usual high-profile names this January. But where has that kind of thinking got them so far?

Nowhere - that's where. And it might be time for the Reds to think outside the box if they want a new striker during the transfer window. Why not look to the lower positions of the Premier League, for instance, and scout Queens Park Rangers' Charlie Austin.

QPR will be desperate to keep hold of their star striker but a big enough bid could encourage them to sell as the R's require funds to strengthen other areas of their squad. A bid at least wouldn't hurt, even if QPR refuse to sell, as Austin has proven himself in the Premier League this season - far more than any Liverpool forward, anyway, that's for sure.

Danny Ings

The same can be said for Burnley's Danny Ings. The 22-year-old has youth on his side and was a prolific goalscorer in the Championship last season. Not only that, however, but Ings has already proven himself in the top flight.

His impact on Burnley's fortunes since returning from injury has been remarkable. He could certainly enjoy a bright future at Liverpool - but could the Reds' arrogance prevent them from looking that far down the table (even though it's not too far from them at the moment!)?

An interesting one, as Mauro Zarate only joined West Ham United at the start of the season. Such is West Ham's attacking prowess, though, that they could easily afford to let one of their forwards go.

Zarate has not been as regular a starter as he would have liked at Upton Park and would offer Liverpool the creativity and energy they are very much lacking at centre-forward. West Ham may want to hold on to the Argentine if Diafra Sakho leaves for the African Cup of Nations but the Hammers have enough firepower up front to live without both.

Tim Poole

Tim Poole is a sports journalist for HITC with a love of football, tennis and snooker in particular.His career to date has seen him speak to former Manchester United boss David Moyes, interview snooker world champion Mark Selby and be snubbed by Premier League managers and players in more than one language!He is a massive Roger Federer fan and lives by the motto that 'sport is life.' When he's not writing about it, he's playing it, be it football, tennis, basketball, badminton, table tennis, darts, snooker, golf or even water polo. He is better at some than others...